Onion to be imported from Egypt ahead of Eid

Tofail asks Ctg port to deliver onion in 24 hrs

Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed yesterday said the government has imported onion on priority basis from Egypt to keep its supply stable in the domestic market ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, report agency.

He said necessary directives have been given to Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) for quick delivery.

“We import onion from neighbouring country. Onion price has gone up too due to flood. We’ve imported onion from Egypt as an alternative means,” said the Commerce Minister acknowledging an increased price on imported onion.

He was addressing a review meeting on prices of essentials at the Commerce Ministry, said a PID handout.

The Commerce Minister said the supply and stocks of essentials, including onion, salt, ginger and garlic, is normal in the domestic market.

He said all procedures are completed to import 5 lakh metric tonnes of salt as salt demands increases during Eid-ul-Azha, used in rawhide preservation.

Necessary permission has been given to 232 salt mills to import 2150 metric tonnes of salt.

Tofail Ahmed directed the Chittagong Port Authority to take necessary measures for quick delivery of basic commodities, especially onion, to meet the domestic demand.

At the meeting, businessmen said congestion in the Chittagong port has mainly triggered price hike as many onion laden ships are waiting for unloading. They alleged delay of delivery at the port has disrupted the supply chain of onion in local market as many businessmen imported onion from Egypt.

In an immediate response, the commerce minister talked with the chairman of the Chittagong Port Authority over mobile phone and directed him to release the basic commodities within 24 hours. The minister even asked the businessmen to contact the port chairman if the goods are not released within 24 hours or highest in two days.

Bangladesh needs 22 lakh tonnes of onion annually but it can produce 18 lakh tonnes and the shortage is met through import.

General Secretary of Moulvi Bazar Babosayee Samity Golam Moula said the retailers have increased the price although they purchase at lower prices from the wholesale market.

Onion to be imported from Egypt ahead of Eid

Tofail asks Ctg port to deliver onion in 24 hrs

Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed yesterday said the government has imported onion on priority basis from Egypt to keep its supply stable in the domestic market ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, report agency. He said necessary directives have been given to Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) for quick delivery. We import onion from neighbouring country. Onion price has gone up too due to flood. Weve imported onion from Egypt as an alternative means, said the Commerce Minister acknowledging an increased price on imported onion. He was addressing a review meeting on prices of essentials at the Commerce Ministry, said a PID handout. The Commerce Minister said the supply and stocks of essentials, including onion, salt, ginger and garlic, is normal in the domestic market. He said all procedures are completed to import 5 lakh metric tonnes of salt as salt demands increases during Eid-ul-Azha, used in rawhide preservation. Necessary permission has been given to 232 salt mills to import 2150 metric tonnes of salt. Tofail Ahmed directed the Chittagong Port Authority to take necessary measures for quick delivery of basic commodities, especially onion, to meet the domestic demand. At the meeting, businessmen said congestion in the Chittagong port has mainly triggered price hike as many onion laden ships are waiting for unloading. They alleged delay of delivery at the port has disrupted the supply chain of onion in local market as many businessmen imported onion from Egypt. In an immediate response, the commerce minister talked with the chairman of the Chittagong Port Authority over mobile phone and directed him to release the basic commodities within 24 hours. The minister even asked the businessmen to contact the port chairman if the goods are not released within 24 hours or highest in two days. Bangladesh needs 22 lakh tonnes of onion annually but it can produce 18 lakh tonnes and the shortage is met through import. General Secretary of Moulvi Bazar Babosayee Samity Golam Moula said the retailers have increased the price although they purchase at lower prices from the wholesale market.